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Healthy eating and stronger running, Long runs, Losing weight on the vegan diet, Marathon running, Running, Running and real estate, The joy of running, Training for your marathon, vegan running

How to Lose Weight, Have More Energy, and Run Faster on Real Vegan Food!

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Sports, Nutrition, and Energy

 

I loved sports since childhood and have been blessed with tremendous energy to keep going for hours, doing gymnastics, playing soccer, tennis, handball, basketball, and running, which has become my greatest passion next to tennis. Having been so fortunate to have all this energy, I never thought that I could increase my energy levels even more by becoming vegan, but once that happened, I was amazed. I also felt that I fully earned my nickname the “energizer bunny” that a lot of my friends bestowed upon me.  However, the main difference in my stamina came in 2012 when I decided to become pesco-vegan http://www.livestrong.com/article/98689-pescovegetarian-diet/ after watching Tamra, one of my tennis friends who is vegan eat after our tennis matches. She was my inspiration! One day after our singles match, I told her I was ready to become vegan, so she gave me many good pointers. I thus made the switch right away and turned fully vegan for the first month, after which I added the seafood to my diet.

The pesco-vegan diet

 

It follows the vegan diet, meaning no dairy products, no meat, no eggs, but adds seafood and wild fish, which are good sources of Omega-3s and are great for brain function.  In less than a month, after I changed my diet, my energy level doubled and I felt twenty years younger. I also lost weight, even though I was never big, but the belly fat after giving birth to our sweet children would not go away until I changed my diet and dropped from size 8 to size 4 in just two months.

As a pesco-vegan, I used to enjoy wild-caught salmon with a variety of side dishes. Always buy wild-caught fish if you decide to eat fish.
Salmon and sweet potatoes

 

The Fully Vegan Diet

 

In December 2016, while taking a Pilates class at California Family Fitness with Linda, a vegan for more than 27 years, I decided to become fully vegan and not eat any more seafood. Last year, I had a phenomenal year in running winning seven races in my age group and setting 16 PRs (personal records) out of the 18  road and trail races that I ran,  and I never ran low on fuel or energy. I also got accepted into the Sacramento Fleet Feet Racing Team, so fueling my body properly is super important. I have fun making big pots of lentil soup, vegan burgers, salads, pizza using the fresh herbs dough from Trader Joe’s, and pasta.

Pasta with mushrooms and zucchini.

 

Lentil and mixed whole grains- Yummy!
Carbs are great for runners and all other athletes!
Salads are great and so easy to make! You can top them with beans for extra protein, tofu, Quinoa, and seeds. Delicious and so healthy!

While all this sounds good, you might wonder why you should accept my story. How about other runners or athletes? Do they share a similar story with mine? Pretty much so!

Interview with Josh Fernandez, writer, English Professor at Folsom Lake College, vegan marathon and ultra runner who is on the Sacramento Fleet Feet Racing team

Josh will run Boston this year, 2017!

What made you decide to become vegan?

“At first, it was my friend Toni Okamoto, who runs a website called Plant Based on a Budget http://plantbasedonabudget.com/.  One night, I was at dinner and I called her and asked her about being a vegan. That night, she convinced me that I could easily go from being a vegetarian to vegan. Eventually, we started running together and we ran the Running With the Bears marathon where I met one of her friends, a guy named Dave Wiskowski. He was really cool an ended up running a lot of the race with me. He is an ultrarunner and a vegan. Actually, at the time, he was a fruitarian. An ultrarunner who only eats fruit! I love weird stuff like that.  Anyway, he’s a really amazing guy. A true inspiration. Together, they convinced me that cruelty-free eating is the only way for me.”

 How did changing your diet affect your running?

“I became a vegan several months before the California International Marathon in 2015. I thought to myself, “Well, this will either help me or kill me.” I started eating a lot of avocados, veggies, and pasta. I could feel a difference in my body right away. I felt leaner. I had more energy. I started training with very little fatigue. I got this feeling that I could run forever. Maybe some of it was a placebo effect, but it didn’t matter. I felt strong. That year I knocked almost 20 minutes off my marathon PR and qualified for the Boston Marathon.” 

 Was your experience as a vegan only positive?

“Yes. I used to get tired every day at around 3 p.m., like this really low energy, sluggish feeling, especially if I was at work. At 3 p.m., I would literally rest my head on my desk and struggle to get up. Then I’d pound a coffee, which would keep me up all night. I don’t get that tired feeling anymore and I attribute that all to being vegan. Dairy, especially cheese and lard, weighs me down quite a bit. Cutting that stuff out produces really beneficial and exciting results if you’re an athlete.”  

 What is your favorite source of protein after a long run? 

“I love avocados. I really like to eat a big fat sandwich with avocados, spinach, bell peppers, cucumbers, and hummus. I wash it down with a smoothie made with kale, celery, ginger, apple, garlic and a scoop of Vega protein powder. I think when you’re vegan for a while, your taste buds morph, so even sort of gross food (like garlic in a smoothie) is somehow incredibly appetizing. That’s what my wife says, at least. “

 Any pros and cons of the vegan diet?
“The only con is when people invite you over to dinner, you have to engage in the awkward conversation where you let them know they’re either going to have to make a vegan meal, or you’ll just “bring something from home,” which never happens. But luckily, when you’re vegan, nobody really invites you to dinner, anyway.” 

Any specific advice for runners or anyone else looking to change their diet and become fully vegans?

 “My friend Toni suggested (since I really loved cheese, like in a sick way, enough that I would sometimes eat a block of medium cheddar for lunch) that I should become a vegan in phases–first you get rid of  milk, then eggs, then cheese, etc. So that’s what I did and it really worked. I don’t miss cheese anymore. When I’m craving pizza, Amy’s makes a really good frozen cheese-less pizza that hits the spot, since I don’t like the taste of imitation cheese. You’d think with all the technological advances in the world someone would engineer a cheese that doesn’t taste like toe fungus, but I guess that’s not really a priority. Anyway, I think everyone loves animals, so I would suggest that everybody go vegan. Don’t make me bust out pictures of what happens at factory farms.” 

 Why vegan vs. vegetarian?

“For me, it comes down to two things: health and compassion. I feel my healthiest when I’m not weighed down by meat and dairy. I also feel the most connected to the world when I’m not causing pain to other animals.” 

Now that you have two opinions on turning vegan, I urge you to find out what works for you as far as your diet, consult a nutritionist, read more about the vegetarian and the vegan diets, and embrace the change.  I wish you a healthier, speedier, and more amazing 2017. You can do it!

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

 

 

Long runs, Real estate, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, The joy of running

16 Life Lessons I Learned from Running in 2016!

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“Running gives us the total freedom to be ourselves, while negotiating life one stride at a time.” Carmen Micsa

Physical Fitness Lessons

  1. When in doubt you can do something, just do it anyway. I have learned this lesson this summer during the week I ran 101 miles just to see what it is like to run like an elite runner. I had started my week with a 15-mile run on the American River Parkway in the morning. In the evening, I went running through Ancil Hoffman Park and doubted I can have a decent 5 mile run, but to my great surprise, I ran in the low 8s and felt great. It also helped to see a coyote roaming around and trying to beat the summer heat.
    On the American River Parkway
    Coyote prowling around Ancil Hoffman Park

    2. When the legs get heavy, stop clenching your fists and teeth; instead, lighten up! Anytime I am tired, I love looking up at the sky. The turkey vultures seem to  have the smoothest and seamless fight pattern. They glide effortlessly and float with grace. I try to imitate them, while making my body glide down the trail with ease and determination to  end the heavy breathing and my body’s fatigue.

    The ducks were quaking and moving while I was just admiring them and taking a break from my long run.

    3. When you feel sluggish, look for someone slower than you to make you look better. I remember being at the end of my run and getting into a desperation mode when I came across this steady and determined tortoise crossing the bike trail. I smiled big and understood that slow and steady is a good thing; yet, I still found enough strength to push a little faster and not listen to my tired body.

    Feeling as slow as tortoise? Get those legs moving!

    4. Body aches all over, but you still need to get your easy run in, which is by no means easy. I remember starting my group strength training class this summer to get my body stronger and avoid injury. After my first class, I got  super sore, as my bosy was not used to the intensity. The next day, I had to do a Fartlek run that started with a 2-mile warm-up. I felt the gluteal muscles halting my entire being and thought to myself that I could just skip this and wait till the next day to run. Yet, once I finished my first two miles and got into doing my Fartleks, I felt so much better and the speed agreed with me.  Moral of the story: find that sweet spot to push past pain and a tired body.

    I used to wear knee sleeves, but not anymore.

    5. Knee pain is making you wince and stop more often than you want. My knees used to bother me until I started to run faster and changed my form and cadence. The quicker turnover of my feet also alleviated the strain I was putting on my body, so every time I get tired, keeping my form as intact as possible is key. http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/the-great-cadence-debate

Mental Lessons

6.  Relax the mind. Although this is only my second year as a runner, I ran 18 races ranging from 5Ks to 50K this year. I PRd 16 of them and won 7 races in my age group. One reason I enjoy racing so much is because I am really good at relaxing my mind. I know I will be prepared and I do not worry or stress about the outcome of the race. I try to enjoy every minute, while I visualize myself running at a great pace propelled by all the racers around me. I can honestly say that I am not nervous when racing, whether I run a 5K or a marathon, which is why relaxing my mind with positive images and a good pep talk really works.

Winning first place in my age group at the Fabulous 40s 5k run, which felt hard due to the heat, but I ran relaxed and was excited to see my results at the end.

7. Tell your brain stories. You might scratch your heads here, but the reality is that our brains will not distinguish between a true statement or a little white lie, which by the way you should not make a habit to use unless you need to make yourself believe in your ability to keep on running strong. For instance, my favorite mantra is “fresh legs,” which I tell my brain towards the end of a race when I am tired. My brain will accept the story; my finish will be much stronger.

My body was done after 7 hours of running my first 50K, but seeing my sweet Sophia at the finish line running next to me has activated my “fresh legs.”

8. Let the positive energy carry you over the mental threshold. At the beginning of a race, most of us possess this positive energy, but towards the end when legs are tired and want to quit, the energy decreases. My trick to increase and keep my positive energy consistent is simply to observe my breath, the sky, the trees, and anything else that will take my mind off any negative feelings or remarks.

During my first 50K Folsom Gold Rush, I kept my positive energy by noticing the harmony and perfect flow of nature.

9. Surround yourself with positive and vibrant people to boost your own mental strength. We runners underestimate the power of our own words and others, so in order to perform at the level we want, it is imperative to surround ourselves with the doers and believers instead of the naysayers. When our family and friends believe in us, our minds are like a well-prepared plot of land waiting to receive the seeds that will later will grow into healthy plants. Our minds are no different and need the same clearance and preparation.

Finishing California International marathon strong. I had so many friends and family who cheered on me and believed in me so that made my running the marathon easier and more enjoyable, as my mind received all the good vibes.

10. The power of distracting the mind and redirecting our thoughts. I can honestly say that all women who are mothers like myself will get this very easily. During long runs, I have learned to distract any negative objections my mind brings up, as well as redirect my thoughts to more positive images, such as celebrating at the finish line. Additionally, whenever necessary, I treat my mind the same way I used to treat our toddler kids by using the power of distraction. The beauty of this is that my mind will accept distractions when body and legs are tired, whereas our children who are older now detect any attempt to distract them when I change the subject.

Even stopping for a jumping picture can be enough to distract the mind and infuse energy.

11. Let imagination guide the mind. During my 20-mile race before running CIM (California International marathon), I used one of the signs someone made for us runners to fuel my imagination and to make me run at marathon pace the entire race. The sign read: “Pain is temporary. Facebook pictures are forever. ” I smiled when I saw that, because as the Facebook queen- ha!ha! I could totally relate to the sign. I even started to write my won FB post in my mind, which helped me continue my run at a strong pace without hardly any pain.

Feeling strong during my 20-mile race three weeks before my CIM marathon.

Spiritual Lessons

12. Running brings us closer to God. With every step and stride, we go through a giant leap of faith. We believe in ourselves and are grateful to the higher powers guiding us. Moreover, when I ran my first marathon in 2015, I felt that God attached angel wings to my shoes that helped me run non-stop for 26.2 miles.

Finishing the first marathon CIM 2015 was truly a divine feeling.

13. The Zen of Running. Running with calm and composure turns us into Zen runners.  It is easy to overreact and worry about things that are not under our control, but if we learn to harness the Zen in us and smile when things get tough, then we will enjoy ourselves more and will be stronger mentally.

Enjoying a trail run on a frosty morning and feeling Zen about my run and life.

14.  Running is humbling. We as runners know that every race can take a sharp turn in a good or bad direction, so we  try to stay humble and not let our minds take off with too much elation and excitement.  As Lao Tzu says in one of my favorite books Tao Te Ching: “The further you go, the less you know.”

A humbling view from one of my trail runs through Cronan Ranch. The view left us in pure awe.

15. Running is serenity soothing the mind, soul, and body. When calmness turns into serenity during my runs, I experience an exhilaration similar to being on the peak of the tallest mountain. My poem about serenity that I wrote after one of my runs can also attest to this indelible feeling:

Serenity

“The crowns and branches of the trees

dip themselves in a pool

of serenity.”

The flowers at the edge of the river brought peace and serenity to my run at the beginning of spring this year.

16. And last, but not least, running is my meditation in motion. With every stride, I feel the pulse of the earth underneath my feet. I meditate on the mundane, the nature around me in correlation with God’s amazing grace, life and death. When I meditate and run, I am in sync with the world around me and feel so ALIVE. Running is LIFE.

The blooming trees in spring offer the perfect backdrop for my meditation in motion.

 

With all the lessons learned in 2016, I feel that I am barely scratching the surface of life and that the further I go with my running, work, being a mom, wife, professional, writer, friend, the less I know. I ran 1,649 miles in 2016 and looking forward to running even more in 2017. Namaste! Happy 2017 filled with wonder and many spiritual wanderings.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

 

 

Long runs, Marathon running, Running, Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, The joy of running, Training for your marathon, vegan running

Run, Eat, Pray, Love! Thoughts about Running my Second California International Marathon with a 26 minute PR From My First CIM!

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RUN

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.”

I am using Elizabeth Gilbert’s book title Eat, Pray, Love book as part of my blog title together with a few quotes from her book, because I am deeply interested in the philosophy of running and what it takes to razor time, so to speak, when slashing and shaving your old PRs (personal records).  And, yes I shaved 26 minutes from my first marathon, finishing CIM in 3:47:47 and only missed my Boston qualifying time by 2:47:47 minutes.

At the start line, walking to my 3: 43 pacing group.
Trying to stay warm at the start line. We had the best weather we could have asked for.
With my friends Karen and Nikki and our pacers 10 minutes before the start.

To run a marathon well it takes dedication, hard work, perseverance, and many good choices, such as how to train, what to eat, what to wear, and, most importantly, what and how to think  about an upcoming marathon.  As the above quote says, I selected only positive, radiant, and confident thoughts during all my months of training and before the marathon. I also visualized myself smiling and running , such as in this picture taken by our sweet son Alex when I came by our house around mile 14. I also smiled and tried to defeat “the wall” coming up at mile 20 – see video below, as my quads got tight  and slowed me down enough to lose my pacing group. The video below was taken by Robert Fausett, the son of one of my good tennis friends, Janice Cowden.

Smiling and running. Waving at my family at mile 14 . Picture taken by our son Alex Micsa.
Smiling and running. Waving at my family at mile 14 . Picture taken by our son Alex Micsa.

 

https://www.facebook.com/robfausett916/videos/1343230939042508/

EAT

“Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.”

During my intensive 3-month training with Fleet Feet Fit, a more customized and demanding training group than Fleet Feet CIM training program, I constantly worked on my nutrition and what made me feel well-hydrated and fueled.

I don’t know about you, but I love to eat real food during all my runs, but especially during my marathons. I have discovered what works for me and I am happy to share with you so that you don’t have to choke and get a stomach upset on gels and other highly engineered foods. Not only do I like to eat real food, but being pesco-vegan, I have even more restrictions. The pesco-vegan diet follows the vegan diet, meaning no dairy products, no meat, no eggs, but adds seafood and wild fish, which are good sources of Omega-3s and are great for brain function.  In less than a month, after I changed my diet in 2012, my energy level doubled and I felt twenty years younger.

Favorite marathon food I ate every 5 miles during CIM. I did not eat the fig bar, but ate the other two.
My favorite breakfast before long runs. I add a little blueberry jelly on top and also eat a banana.
Post run bar that’s healthy, has little sugar, and has my favorite ingredients: dark chocolate and nuts.

 

PRAY

“There’s a crack (or cracks) in everyone…that’s how the light of God gets in.”

I am a firm believer that God is present in my life and trust his/her timing, guidance, answer to my prayers, and his/her amazing grace. Whenever I pray for something and ask God to help me accomplish a higher goal, a loftier pursuit, or something as difficult as running a marathon, I ask God to help me if he/she thinks I am ready for the next step. Pushing for things that I am not ready for can end in disillusionment. However, by letting the door cracked open, I invite just enough light, wisdom, and sunshine that my heart, soul, and mind needs.

I was listening to a podcast and the author said this quote. I turned my back and saw God’ radiant light and reveled in this sunrise. Running is mystical and answers many of our prayers.

 

When running a marathon, I feel that praying is particularly important and gives us the extra strength we need to conquer the marathon beast lurking out around mile 21, or so. I also believe that running

a marathon is the most humbling experience that reminds us to stay grounded and run in the moment. We all have goals, but we need to understand that our times can derail up and down, more likely down depending on the day, the course, and our physical and mental preparation.

In my case, during the CIM I started to really feel my sore quads, especially the left one around mile 20, which made me slow down, lose my 3:43 pacing group,  and reevaluate my goal. I accepted that I would probably lose the Boston qualifying time, which needed to be 3:45, but I really needed 3:42 to make sure I got accepted, and that I needed to continue to run strong to get a big PR from my last Pony Express marathon that I ran in May, and an even bigger PR from my very first marathon, last year’s CIM.

I prayed, ran, and stayed focused not even hearing my name being called by friends and spectators, or seeing my friends’ special signs for me all the way to the finish line.

Sign made by my awesome friend Holly and her daughter. I gave Holly a high five at Fair Oaks and Arden and loved seeing them cheer on me and the other runners. Cheering gives us energy.
At the finish line with our son Alex. So special!
At the finish line with my husband and our daughter Sophia
At the finish line with Andrea, my friend and amazing training partner.

LOVE

“Zen masters say you cannot see your reflection in running water, only in still water.”

“What does love have to do with running a marathon? ” You might ask. The answer is: everything! When you run with joy and smile through the miles, you feel an immense love for others, for yourself, for exercising, for being together, and for the whole world. Another aspect of our love for running is the stillness of our minds and thoughts while hitting the pavement and while fatigue wants to steal our joyous stride.

During training for CIM, the love for running with our training buddies and our dear friends keeps us going during those four weekend of running 20 miles to be well-prepared for the marathon.

During a 20-mile training run- jumping with joy with my amazing friend Andrea.
Running track with my crazy fit runners Adam and Romero.

Running with love and appreciation for our families, friends, and our happy feet will make any marathon training and race so much more meaningful  and give us a new perspective on our lives. And when in doubt: run, eat, pray, love, and then repeat for your next marathon.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, The joy of running

The Serendipity of Running – How to Live a More Creative, Productive, and Joyous Life!

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Running is serendipitous!

 

Ahh! You might exclaim! The author is trying to invoke serendipity to make us run more! Well, she will need to work hard to make this happen!

purpleserendipity_nob8

It might be just the opposite, I would add. One aspect of Walpole’s original definition of serendipity, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendipity often missed in modern discussions of the word, is the need for an individual to be “sagacious” enough to link together apparently innocuous facts in order to come to a valuable conclusion. How many times do you go on a run expecting a typical run, but then things turn out serendipitous? Are you able to detect these moments easily, or do you just run along and miss them?

seren_def_nov8

 

Serendipity at Ancil Hoffman Park

For instance, I had a really fun run and hiking coincidence one weekend when I was still pretty new to running.  Our kids wanted to relax and stay home with my husband, but I decided to go on a 2-mile run to Ancil Hoffman Park right after the cleansing rain. Once I got there, there was a group ready to go on a hike, part of the meet-up group Trail Mix. I asked them if I could join the hike. Our energetic and youthful guide, a man in his late 70s, who still does speed walking races and is super fit, said yes, so I  went on a 4.5 mile hike all around Ancil Hoffman Park (my total for the day: 2-mile running and 4.5 mile hiking, which was just great). The people I hiked with were delightful and quite cheerful. We all enjoyed seeing deer, a jack rabbit, turkeys, and relished the scenery.  I love exploring and experiencing new things, as well as being open to serendipity.

Deer grazing
Deer grazing

Another time, I woke up earlier than my normal time on a weekend, because I had a busy day, but I still wanted to get my 5-mile run in. I decided to run through my slice of Paradise, as I call Ancil Hoffman Park .http://www.regionalparks.saccounty.net/Parks/Pages/AncilHoffmanPark.aspx

As the sun gently pushed its way through the tree branches, the artist I listened to on my Ted Talk podcast said the following Egyptian proverb: “Anyone who wants to see the sunrise clearly needs to wipe his eyes well first.” At that moment, I stopped on the trails and took this gorgeous sunrise picture. I love the spiritual and meditative side of running.

As I ran down the trail, I turned around and saw this beautiful sunrise. I stopped and snapped a picture, smiling at the serendipitous moment.
As I ran down the trail, I turned around and saw this beautiful sunrise. I stopped and snapped a picture, smiling at the serendipitous moment.

 

Serendipity at Jensen Park

 

Another time, I went on a quick 4-mile run after finishing all the activities with the kids. I ran to my beautiful Jensen Botanical Garden. http://carmichaelpark.com/jensen-botanical-garden/

Once there, I noticed the colorful tulips surrounding the old oak tree in a circle of love. At that moment, I smiled sheepishly and came with my own diagnosis: ORD, obsessive running disorder- ha!ha!

The beautiful tulips surrounding the majestic and old tree in Jensen's botanical garden
The beautiful tulips surrounding the majestic and oak tree in Jensen’s botanical garden
Spring tulips

Symptoms: increased happiness and productivity at work and life, lots of joy and satisfaction with life, tremendous energy and endurance, laser beam focus, increased concentration and efficiency, exploration of life’s many trails, routes, vistas, etc.

Cure: More running and more meditation in motion.

Time frame for cure: When patient turns 100 years old- ha!ha!

Towards the end of my run, I stopped and talked to one of the gardeners. She immediately offered to give me a tour of the community garden. As I entered the garden, to my left, there was the Misca family garden, which is not our family (we do not have a green thumb – ha!ha! and our name is spelled with a c before before the s), but another wonderful Romanian family. Right away, I appreciated the serendipity that running brought along into my life, as well as the sounds, the smells, the thoughts, and the people I met along the way. Pure bliss.

I pray that God allows me to kick up my heels till I’m 100 to enjoy the serendipity of running and to spread the joy. I also pray that you do the same. Happy feet!

Please post your serendipitous running moments under the comments for our contest. The best one will win a $5 Starbucks gift card.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, The joy of running

Ten Steps to Start Running at any Age!

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According to the Runner’s World magazine, there are eight crucial steps to help someone start running.

http://www.runnersworld.com/get-someone-running/8-steps-to-help-someone-start-running?cid=NL_QOTD_-_09092016_8StepstoHelpSomeoneStartRunning&utm_source=RWD07&utm_medium=email&smartcode=YN_0000988866_0001568475

I agree with all their steps, but I have come up with my own 10 steps to help you start this amazing journey. First, I need to share with you my mom’s story and how she started to run at 63 years old after never having exercised in her entire adult life, other than taking short walks to get places she needs to go, since she does not drive.

Mom’s Running Story

On Wednesday evening, September 7th, 2016, I came home elated from my track workout with Fleet Feet Fit running group that I joined to prepare for the California International Marathon that I will run this December, hoping to qualify to Boston. I sat next to my mom and told her what a great workout I had. I also told her that we have a few ladies in their 70s running with us and that they  were amazing. I added that running makes your knees stronger and that’s when my mom clicked: “I guess I should start running, too.”

I was speechless, as my mom usually refuses any kind of physical activity, but then I realized that this was the moment that I was waiting for: my mom’s desire to change and try something new. I immediately transcended my surprise and shock and replied: “Awesome! We’ll go tomorrow morning on a very easy run/jog/walk around our neighborhood.”

“I’ll be ready and wear my good shoes,” my mom said.

The next morning after I dropped the kids off to school, my mom and I took off, after doing a few stretches. My mom started to run with a straight back, relaxed shoulders, and a perfect stride. She ran about a quarter mile, after which we stopped and walked a little bit. Once she started again, I took this amazing video of her first run ever at the age of 63 (she’ll turn 64 in December), which shows that we don’t have to be athletic, strong, gifted, or special to start running. We just need a gentle push, the motivation to better our health, our bodies and minds, and the desire to try new things, as you never know what you like if you don’t try and experiment with life’s joys and surprises.

In reading about Dr. Walter Bortz’s exercise dictum in the Runner’s World magazine: “It’s never too late to start, and it’s always too soon to stop,” I knew that my mom’s timing was perfect and was so happy for her. Her lower back and knees have been giving her a hard time for many years, so she decided to get her body stronger, which is what we all need to do: counter any weakness in our body with new strengths that come from running. We can overcome an aging body and can sharpen our minds at any age.

Carmen’s advice and 10 Steps to Help Non-Runners  Start Running:

 

  1. Share your running excitement with your non-runner friends by showing them your Strava app, telling them about your beautiful running routes, your races, etc.
  2. Do not ask your runner friends to start running unless they are very open to trying new things. Instead, let your friends ask that they go running with you, or let think them it was their own idea to start running at their own pace and in their own way.
  3. DO NOT tell your non-runner friends that running is EASY like I did with one friend I turned away from running, even though I meant to say that it is easy to go out wearing a decent pair of shoes and just run.
  4. Encourage your friends to start slowly and with only one mile or less on their first official run, as well as to take walking breaks until they build up their stamina and strength.
  5. Emphasize the need to go to a specialty shoe store, such as Fleet Feet in Sacramento to be evaluated by a running specialist and buy the right shoes, as they will make or break your non-runner friends.
  6. Encourage them to join running groups after they can run for at least 30 minutes without stopping. Running with others builds confidence, excitement, and most importantly, commitment.
  7. Encourage them to eat real food and hydrate properly.
  8. Challenge your stubborn non-runner friends to a 5K race by telling them that it is too hard for them to do it and see their ambition go up.
  9. Encourage your friends to read articles in the Runner’s World and other publications, watch videos, and learn more about nutrition, as knowledge is power.
  10. Share the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits that come from running and be your friends’ running ambassador to help them change their lives with running.
Running with my mom! What a special feeling and moment! Running is life!
Running with my mom! What a special feeling and moment! Running is life!

 

My mom's second run on the American River Parkway.
My mom’s second run on the American River Parkway.

And if you wonder about my mom’s commitment whether to run or not to run, please watch this video. Running is a CHOICE to feel infinite JOY. Running is also a CHOICE to be healthy and strong. Running is LIFE.

 

HAPPY FEET! RUN WITH JOY!

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

Running and real estate, Running and Spirituality, The joy of running

Running is Oh, so Easy, and Oh, so hard!

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“If you want to become a runner then get onto a trail, into the woods, or on a sidewalk or street and run. Go 50 yards if that’s all you can handle. Tomorrow, you can go farther.”

Scott Jurek

My first month as a runner when miles felt double and sometimes triple the distance.
My first month as a runner when miles felt double and sometimes triple the distance.

That’s pretty much how I started running down the street for like a quarter mile in March 2015, after which I increased the distance, my stamina, and so on. Therefore, if you hear me say running is easy, I refer to this aspect of running that allows great flexibility, a road right outside your home, and a decent pair of running shoes.

A month after I started to run, I ran the Zoo Zoom 5K race and finished third in my age group. I guess running is easy- ha!ha!
A month after I started to run, I ran the Zoo Zoom 5K race and finished third in my age group. I guess running is easy- ha!ha!

 

RUNNING IS EASY

I don’t know how many non-runners I can convince with the above-mentioned statement before I actually make them run away from running, but I will explain my reasoning and my positive affirmation about running as an easy, healthy, and even highly enjoyable activity.

  1. Most running takes place right outside our doors, so we don’t need any special places to start running.
  2. Running is easy to do on your own.
  3. Running does not require much planning, as you can always lace up your shoes and bolt outside your home.
  4. Running is plain fun every time we decide to venture outside of our homes, our worlds, and our comfort zones.
  5. Running is powerful, as it opens our hearts and souls to new possibilities, while we continue our journeys down the path of exploring life with curiosity, mindfulness, and awareness.
  6. Running is social and can bring people together.
  7. Running is blissful and puts us in a great mood after we are done.
  8. Running is healthy for the mind and the body.
  9. Running helps us live longer.
  10. Running makes us smarter.
  11. Running makes us happier and more content.
  12. Running is an easy way to explore new places.
  13. Running is time efficient.
  14. Running burns a lot more calories than other activities about three times more than biking, for example.
  15. Running makes us sleep better.
  16. Running increases the good hormones in our brains.
  17. Running takes us closer to nature.
  18. Running brings us closer to God.
  19. Running is healing.
  20. Running is LIFE.
Enjoying nature and the deer at Ancil Hoffman Park, my own running Paradise.
Enjoying nature and the deer at Ancil Hoffman Park, my own running Paradise. Picture taken by my friend Holly Macriss.

THE HARD, THE BAD, THE UGLY, & THE STRUGGLE

One of my good friends from Sac State Kellie Edson shared this wonderful story about the butterfly and the chrysalis and their metaphor for life’s struggles. So powerful! It applies to running, too, as we struggle sometimes, but then we finish our short and long runs, our races and marathons as changed people, light, beautiful, and victorious!

“Along a dusty road in India there sat a beggar who sold cocoons. A young boy watched him day after day, and the beggar finally beckoned to him.

“Do you know what beauty lies within this chrysalis? I will give you one so you might see for yourself. But you must be careful not to handle the cocoon until the butterfly comes out.”

The boy was enchanted with the gift and hurried home to await the butterfly. He laid the cocoon on the floor and became aware of a curious thing. The butterfly was beating its fragile wings against the hard wall of the chrysalis until it appeared it would surely perish, before it could break the unyielding prison. Wanting only to help, the boy swiftly pried the cocoon open.

Out flopped a wet, brown, ugly thing which quickly died. When the beggar discovered what had happened, he explained to the boy “In order for the butterfly wings to grow strong enough to support him, it is necessary that he beat them against the walls of his cocoon. Only by this struggle can his wings become beautiful and durable. When you denied him that struggle, you took away from him his only chance of survival.”

The butterflies swarmed around and filled the day with the beauty of their colorful wings.
The butterflies swarmed around and filled the day with the beauty of their colorful wings.

From this story, here are 10 hard and yet beautiful aspects of running:

  1. Running is hard, or I should say challenging, since I don’t like to use the word hard.
  2. Running is a struggle on some days depending on our mood, pace, environment, weather, the alignment of the planets, etc.
  3. Running reminds us of our own fragility before we can feel our strength.
  4. Running leaves us breathless literally, not figuratively.
  5. Running takes a lot out of us.
  6. Running can take a toll on our bodies.
  7. Running takes courage.
  8. Running is not for everyone, and yet we were born to run.
  9. Running means getting outside our comfort zone and that’s challenging.
  10. Running is sweating.
The love of running!
The love of running!

Yet, when we run, whether it feels easy or hard, we can all ask ourselves: “How can we disrupt our complacency and satisfaction with things we do on all levels of our lives?” Answer: “By gently pushing ourselves to do more and to require more of ourselves, as we are all perfectly capable of reaching higher professional, fitness, intellectual, and any other goals we set our minds on achieving.”

HAPPY FEET! RUN WITH JOY!

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

Running and real estate

Folsom Gold Rush 50K – My first ultra marathon

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Two weeks after I had run the Pony Express Marathon, I ran Folsom Gold Rush 50K, my very first ultra marathon. Although experts recommend about 30 days before running another race after a marathon, I refused to accept this wise advice. Instead, I chose to view my marathon race and big PR (personal record) as a perfect training for my first 50K race (31 miles). Besides, one of my trail mix friends John Bressan made the perfect point when he cheered for me at the marathon finish line: “Remember, all you need to do is finish your first 50K, as it will be a PR, for sure. Your goal is to qualify for Boston, so you don’t want to injure yourself. ”

THE WEEK OF MY ULTRA MARATHON- PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PREPARATION

Another Trail Mix friend Sharon Hampton who has been running races for over 30 years offered me the best advice that I would pass onto other runners who wonder whether they should rest the week of the big race, or whether they should run lightly. Sharon urged me to do the following:

  1. Rest the whole week of the race and let your body fully recover from running so that you can have enough stamina for your big race.
  2. Fuel, hydrate well, and eat some extra carbs, as your body will need it and use it.
  3. Last, but not least, my favorite advice she offered: do not even think of the total distance. Instead, focus on running from one aid station to another (fuel at each aid station) to break miles into smaller increments and finish the run strong.

With most trail races being on Saturday, I was glad to run my biggest and longest race I have done in my life one day earlier than road races, which happen mostly on Sundays. I did not run at all the week of the race and I just gobbled up my carbs. Even though I viewed my taper as being lazy and not working hard enough, deep down the voice of reason kept me honest. I had to acknowledge the hills, the rocks, and uneven terrain, the heat, and the long distance. Moreover, I had to trust that a rested body would find more strength and energy than a tired body.  I continued to load up on brown rice and Quinoa pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables, some salmon, and my vegan pancakes that I made with almond milk.

As to the mental preparation, I did the following:

  1. I kept my entire week on a positive note, avoiding any negative interactions or situations.
  2. I visualized myself running with a big smile while my sweet husband and our kids were waiting and cheering for me at the finish line.
  3. Buoyed by my recent marathon and quick recovery, I had total faith and trusted that I could complete my first ultra, as long as I did not get injured and kept my focus on the breath and positive mental images of crossing the finish line strong.
  4. The big d-word DOUBT was banished from my mind and vocabulary and replaced with BELIEVE.

THE DAY OF THE RACE

After a good night rest, a hearty pancake and banana breakfast, and careful preparation for my 50k race the night before, my sweet husband dropped me off at Skunk Hollow in El Dorado Hills from where our race started on the Darrington Trail.

My husband parked and stuck around for a few minutes to make sure I had everything I needed. To our surprise, we met Shawn, one of our soccer friends who works with my husband. He congratulated me for upgrading my running. My husband beamed with pride and joked around with his friend, while I thought to myself: “Isn’t what our lives are all about? Upgrading our old selves to newer and better ones?”

My husband gave me a big hug and a kiss. He wished me good luck and said we would keep in touch so that he knew when to wait for me with the kids at the finish line. I spent time talking to other runners and was happy to get some great advice from Karyn Hoffman, an amazing runner, pacer for marathons,  tremendous athlete, and an icon in our Sacramento running community.  She advised me to start slower and then pick up my pace and pass people. She knew my rabbit style of running fast from the beginning, which was not conducive to the length of the course.

At the start line of my first 50K run
At the start line of my first 50K run

THE FIRST HALF OF MY ULTRA

I did not start slowly at the beginning of the race, as I knew my engines would slow down later and wanted to make sure that I would make good times for all the aid stations, but Karyn was right. Starting slower ensures more strength later. The first 8 miles of the race were technical and the rocks seemed to bare their sharp edges like sharks. I almost fell at least five times, but managed to catch myself. I kept running to make a good time for our first big aid station at Skunk Hollow, where I ate banana, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and used the restrooms.Lake_May14

 

After this quick stop, I ran strong and passed a few runners heading towards Salmon Falls on winding trails flanked by exquisite views of the Folsom Lake. The lupine, vetch, and golden California poppies crowned the meadows and reminded me why I fell in love with trail running: nature at its best, as well as my desire to match nature’s outer beauty with my inner beauty. During my run, I constantly reveled in nature’s sheer magnitude and stopped to take pictures while power hiking a steep hill, taking a short break, and thinking of a little poem about the trails that I wrote after the race.

The Song of the Trails

The trails enchant and attract

the runner’s soles into their deep forests

like a siren’s song – inimitable and unforgettable.

Lined with rocks, protruding roots,

multicolored wild flowers, and poison oak

the trails chirp the song of the wild at heart.

 

Oh, the beauty and serenity of wild flowers!
Oh, the beauty and serenity of wild flowers!

THE SECOND HALF OF MY ULTRA

After 15 miles of running, I kept my focus on avoiding falling by all means, as well as looked forward to hitting all the aid stations. At mile 16.1,  I reached New York Creek aid station and made sure I ate bananas, pretzels, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. At this point, my mind started to show up signs of fatigue, or was it my body getting tired? Having  a black belt in Taekwondo, I knew that I had to use my mind to control my body, so I told myself that I needed to run steady to hit mile 20 strong. From there on, I had to keep running a meager 11 miles- ha!ha!

The trail flanked by wild flowers! Pure bliss!
The trail flanked by wild flowers! Pure bliss!

The views of Folsom Lake kept me company and comfort. The blue sky and water,  peaceful and tranquil images, followed my strides and gave me renewed hope and energy. Yet, the hills seemed to multiply at every corner, leaving me breathless while climbing them.

LakeHills_May14

At mile 22.9, I crawled to Brown’s Ravine aid station and felt every muscle in my body having something to say to me, but I was not interested in listening. However, I felt a little lonely running by myself and only talking to people at aid stations, so God probably heard my prayers and sent Leslie Niels my way around mile 23, or so.

BrownRavineSign_May14

A young woman with a happy and steady stride, Leslie seemed to be especially strong on hills, so I followed her. We started to talk about our running problems, as well as curse the endless hills. Leslie was doing the relay and running the second half of the race, which was music to my ears, since her legs were not as tired and she could propel me to finish a race that was the most challenging event I have ever done in my life so far. I am sure harder events would come along, but this was my first.

Leslie, a super athletic and fun person to hang around, pointed out that after this race, we can definitely call each other “bad ass” ultra marathon runners. Yeah! We both repeated those words that had become the running leitmotif of the day. The “bad ass” mantra empowered and emboldened us to keep running, while joking and commiserating with each other.

At mile 28.9, Leslie and I reached Folsom crossing by the American River bike trail. I texted my hubby to tell him that I was 3 miles away. To my great delight, the last three miles were all on flat and fast surface, so I powered through with Leslie running right behind me a little slower, as by now her blisters gave her trouble. I could tell that every stride Leslie took hurt her, but she continued to maintain her joviality and positive attitude. I also felt that we both functioned as perfect crutches for each other and that really made our finish smoother and stronger.

Leslie and I about 3 miles from the finish line! Yeah!
Leslie and I about 3 miles from the finish line! Yeah!

As we turned on Sutter Street in Old Folsom, I knew the finish line on 200 Wool St. was around the corner, so I felt a strong surge in my cadence and pace. Clip-clop, clip-clop! Just like during Pony Express, our daughter Sophia joined me and ran with me towards the finish line, making my day. Our sweet son Alex was again the race photographer taking great shots of me. My hubby was beaming with pride. He hugged and kissed me right after I crossed the finish line. Wow! I did it! I ran my first 50K in 7:11 and felt pretty good. I could walk, so that was a good sign.

Crossing the finish line of my first 50K race!
Crossing the finish line of my first 50K race!
My beautiful family celebrating with me!
My beautiful family celebrating with me!

Leslie finished seconds behind me. We both hugged and congratulated each other, as well as promised to keep in touch with each other.

In the end, resilience and perseverance shone through, reminding me that there is always more I can give and that human nature is just as resplendent as nature.

For more info on ultra marathons, please check out these links:

http://www.norcalultras.com/

http://marathons.ahotu.com/calendar/ultramarathon/california

http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com/races/usa.html

For info on real estate, please go to my website http://www.dynamicsacramentohomes.com. Also mention this blog when buying, or selling with me, and receive $100 gift card to Fleet Feet, or the store of your choice. Other discounts and offers apply, so feel free to contact me. Happy to answer any of your running and real estate questions. No strings attached!

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Global Running Day and My Birthday!

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To me, June 1 is not only special because it is my birthday. It is also the International Day of Children in my native country Romania, as well as in many European countries. This year, June 1st became even more special, as it was Global Running Day, so I had at least three big reasons to celebrate, and who doesn’t want to find reasons to rejoice?

And if you missed having a great runch (Run+lunch), or even running to your work place if close enough, there are still plenty of events you can sign up and more info about Global Day of Running.

http://www.runnersworld.com/motivation/

For ideas and info on International Children’s Day and how you can celebrate this day with all the young and adult children in your life, check out:

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/i/internationalchildrensday.asp

My birthday run and celebration made me jump with joy and appreciation for being a runner, as well as being in great shape and health. My good friend Holly  Macriss was kind to make my birthday special by driving us to Pilot Hill from where we took the Magnolia Ranch Trail and ran to Cronan Ranch and back.

Holly and I at Magnolia Ranch, celebrating my birthday and Global Running Day
Holly and I at Magnolia Ranch, celebrating my birthday and Global Running Day

Although we started our run around 9:20 a.m., we could already feel the heat.  Later on that day, temperatures hit 100 degrees, so we decided to enjoy the scenery and walk the long hills, as we needed to conserve our energy. The American River views followed the trail and sure dazzled us. We felt grateful we chose to do a trail run that day, so we could revel in the beauty of nature, as well as be in perfect running unison with millions of people who were running in amazing places all over the world.

Rivers are the quintessential symbols of change and running or going with the flow
Rivers are the quintessential symbols of change and running or going with the flow

AmericanRiver_June1During our run, we came across horse riders and mountain bikers, as well as a dead gopher snake and a bobcat that ran in front of us and disappeared into the thick bushes and trees. Once we reached Cronan Ranch, we could really feel the sun’s heat on our necks, bodies, and legs. We joked around about our run and my birthday celebration in 100 degree weather. Holly said to me: “I think it’s hot enough, so you can blow out that candle, Carmen.”

“Good one, Holly,” I replied and laughed. It was good to redirect our attention from the heat and our tired legs by resorting to laughter and joking around.

The highlight of our fantastic 8-mile trail run was our stop by an old movie set that had been used to shoot some big Western movies.

CarmenMovieSet_June1

“Wow! Being part of this old movie set sure makes my birthdays special,” I told Holly, who smiled, knowing that I was thoroughly enjoying my birthday and global running day.

Towards the end of the run, the sun turned into a fire-spitting dragon, but we did not melt or wilt away, as we came across a creek and cooled off.

Beating the heat!
Beating the heat!

We finished our run back at Magnolia Ranch, after we headed to Scott’s Seafood and Grill and had a great birthday lunch.

What an honor to have my birthday on Global Running Day and The International Day of Children! Cheers to all the Global Runners out there! Make every run special and make every mile count! Happy strides!

For more information on running, please contact me here, or e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com. Also for more info on real estate, please visit my website http://www.dynamicsacramentohomes. com.

 

 

Running and real estate

Running for Real Estate-what’s in a blog’s name?

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When our work and hobbies intertwine, we feel satisfied and happy. Having been in real estate for 16 years, I have learned to appreciate the dynamic aspects of my profession and the diversity of the people I meet and help buy or sell, for which I am very grateful. In other words, I am always stimulated and do not get bored with my work the same way running cannot bore me, because of the variety of workouts and the many physical and mental benefits that come with it .

Talking about real estate on Real Life Lending radio show.
Talking about real estate on Real Life Lending radio show.

Title of my blog:

Ancil Hoffman trail run with deer in the background. Pure bliss!
Ancil Hoffman trail run with deer in the background. Pure bliss!
  • It describes two passions: running and real estate.
  • Running and real estate have one common denominator: it is dynamic, which matches the name of my real estate company that I founded in 2010, Dynamic Real Estate.
  • Running and real estate are both adrenaline driven, especially when my buyers get super excited about becoming homeowners. As to running, we all know about runner’s high, which is pure bliss and increased endorphins that runners get during a run.
  • Running and real estate are both enriching on a financial level when my clients acquire equity in their homes and a spiritual level for runners, who find running the perfect meditation in motion, as I like to call it.
  • Running and real estate are super powers, as they change people’s lives.
  • Running and real estate are great securities for the future. Real estate can build up one’s portfolio and increase wealth, especially when clients take advantage of the lows and highs of the market, whereas running can increase one’s physical and mental well-being, which can add quality years to someone’s life.
  • Running and real estate are year-round affairs, especially for us living in California and being able to run year-round.
  • And last, but not least, running and real estate are LIFE. A positive, dynamic, joyous way of living.

For any questions on running, or real estate, please contact me at 916-342-2446, or e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com. Also don’t forget to follow and subscribe to this blog! Happy feet!